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Mark asked in HealthMental Health · 7 years ago

Is counselling 100% confidential, or will they tell someone if they think I'm a danger to other people?

I've been told that I have to go to see a counsellor for my depression. I'm really worried that if I tell them something that makes them think I'm a danger to others, they'll tell someone or do something to me. Can I tell them anything without worrying about this happening? If it makes any difference, I live in the UK and am at university.

Update:

Things like driving with my eyes shut. Would they tells someone if I told them that?

Update 2:

I'd never plan to hurt anyone (other than myself), but I sometimes make reckless and impulsive decisions, just because it's the only way I can feel alive or stop feeling depressed. I always feel guilty afterwards though.

5 Answers

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  • Alba
    Lv 4
    7 years ago

    It's all about the context, what are your reasons for doing this, what are you hoping to achieve? How often do you do it? Where abouts? What time of day?

    They will look at the context if they feel as though you are a high risk to other members of the public, they will pass on info to either the police or other people involved in your care, or a doctor.

    Similar applies with regards to harm to yourself

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    In the US, if you are a danger to others, if you've stated that you do or plan to do something that would harm another person or people, the counselors are legally obligated to do something about it.

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    It really depends on the situation. Obviously, if you tell them you are going to go out and harm someone, then they need to step in. But if you have irrational fears of harming someone, or that you feel like harming someone but would never actually act upon it, then it would and should be kept confidential. Hope this helps.

    Edit: Could you go into a little bit more detail about why you drive with your eyes shut? Are you doing it intentionally in the the hope of causing an accident, or is it more of a compulsion due to anxiety-provoking thoughts?

    Edit: Reckless and impulsive behaviour may be a sign of a disorder other than depression, i.e. bipolar disorder. Although I do not believe the information you share will go any further than your counsellor, you may want to ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist. Hope this helps.

  • 7 years ago

    I think that if you say you are suicidal or want to hurt someone they have to tell that.

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  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    someone should slash your tires.

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